Opened in 1902, Macy’s Herald Square, the company’s flagship store, is one of the last turn-of-the-century department stores in existence. Although the Herald Square store initially consisted of just one building, it expanded, eventually occupying almost the entire block. It now claims the title of “World’s Largest Store.” Macy’s Herald Square is well known for its Thanksgiving Day Parade, Holiday window displays, and SantaLand.
The Herald Square building has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Practically anything you could want can be found on the nine floors of this 1 million square foot space. Inside you’ll find cosmetics, colognes, dresses, ties, furniture, bedding, and much more. Macy’s Herald Square attracts thousands of tourists and locals daily. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll never go hungry while shopping in this giant store. Dining choices include Australian Homemade, Cellar Bar & Grill, Cucina,, Au Bon Pain, Starbucks Coffee, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Jimmy’s Pizza, McDonald’s, and Au Bon Pain. Believe it or not, Macy’s even houses a respected cooking school, De Gustibus, on its basement level.
Macy’s has appeared in more than 50 movies and television shows. The store’s debut was in 1906 in the film The Kleptomaniac. Since then, it has appeared in many movies like Auntie Mame (1958), Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967), Sweet Charity (1969), and more recently Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Shark Tale (2004) and King Kong (2005). Finally, it is probably most famous for its role in the holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street (1947).
Macy’s Harold Square has achieved fame in the TV world as well. Well known shows like The Wonder Years, Who’s the Boss, Seinfeld, Friends, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, The Biggest Loser, and Project Runway.
Macy’s is also featured in Kanye West’s US version of his music video for the song “Heard ‘Em Say.” Nearly the entire video was filmed inside Macy’s Herald Square. It features West and three children playing inside a closed Macy’s at night.
More than just a retail store, Macy’s has truly become an icon of Manhattan, and even of the United States. This is one shopping spot that cannot be missed during your visit to New York City.
To catch a glimpse of Macy’s hop on our NYC TV & Movie Tour or Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour.
* In an effort to stay current, we are constantly updating our tours with new locations and cannot guarantee the presence of locations mentioned on our site. If you have a particular interest in locations from a specific TV show or movie, please let your tour guide know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.